HYDE PARK WARD LABOUR ACTION REPORT – December 2024
News from your Hyde Park Labour Councillors Judith Southern, Md Shamsed Chowdhury and Paul Dimoldenberg
Dear Resident,
We hope that all is well. It has been another very busy month right across the ward.
On 8th November we joined the Police Safer Neighbourhood Team for a “Walk and Talk” around the ward. Together, we walked around ward and discussed issues raised by the community, and shared ideas and advice on ways to improve safety and security.
We attended the annual Remembrance Service at the Lancaster Gate War Memorial on 10th November, with Rachel Blake MP and other Paddington Councillors.
Praed Street Post Office is under threat of closure. Rachel Blake MP has started a petition to keep this post office open along with others in Westminster https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/ward-news/hyde-park/2024/11/13/save-praed-street-post-office/
We continue to tell the e-bike operators to manage their fleets better so that their bikes do not obstruct the pavement in Spring Street, Hermitage Street, Bishop’s Bridge, Sussex Place, Sussex Square, Southwick Street, London Street, Norfolk Square, and Praed Street.
We hold a regular advice surgery at St John’s Parish Hall, Hyde Park Crescent, on the first Thursday of the month from 6-7pm. The next advice surgery will be on Thursday 5th December, 6pm-7pm.
Please let us know if we can be of help or assistance on any local issues.
NEWS AND ACTION
The Hyde Park Estate area, bounded by Edgware Road, Bayswater Road and Sussex Gardens
Kendal Street
We asked the Highways Team to investigate this issue, “There is a huge puddle on Kendal Street and cars passing through it splash any pedestrians walking on the pavement.” The Highways Team say, “I will ask the team to inspect the entire street for any potential contributing factors, ponding, sunken carriageway areas and action. In addition, I will ask the Drainage team to check the gullies locally for any issues.”
Connaught Square
We asked the City Inspectors to take a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to rubbish dumping and fly tipping in the Connaught Square area.
Hyde Park Street
We asked if Hyde Park Street be considered for a CCTV camera as there have been several car thefts here recently, according to residents.
Following our enquiries about tree planting in Hyde Park Street, the Trees Team say, “the basement survey identified that the basement vaults would be at risk from the excavations in the carriageway and as a result proposals for planting in Hyde Park Street will not go ahead.”
Hyde Park Crescent
We asked the Highways Team to fix a dangerous area of pavement outside 10 Hyde Park Crescent.
Gloucester Square
We asked the Highways Team to tell Virgin media to paint their telecoms box outside 34-37 Gloucester Square black in line with the Council’s design code. The current white colour is totally inappropriate and detracts from its surroundings.
Sussex Mews East
We asked the Highways Team to fix a drainage issue in Sussex Mews East.
Albion Street/Albion Close
We asked the Parking Team to investigate a car which appeared to have been abandoned at the junction of Albion Street/Albion Close. The car has now gone.
Sussex Square
We are helping residents in Sussex Square who believe that their neighbours are building a loft extension without planning permission. We have asked the Planning Enforcement Team to investigate.
Oxford Square
We asked the Police to investigate reports of a brothel at a property in Oxford Square.
The Lighting Team say there is a need for an additional column in Oxford Square, which will be installed next year.
Cambridge Square
The Street Lighting Team say that a full replacement of the existing lighting will be carried out In Cambridge Square as part of next year’s programme.
Porchester Place
We again asked the Environmental Health Team to investigate the smoke coming from the chimney of a restaurant in Porchester Place. Residents say, “This evening the air was once again thick with smoke.”
Clarendon Mews
We asked the Street Sweeping Team to ensure that Clarendon Mews is swept regularly.
Connaught Village Green
Work on creating Connaught Village Green is well underway with the wider pavements on the south side of Connaught Street completed. See https://connaughtvillagegreen.commonplace.is/ for the phasing plan, scheme drawing, FAQs and contact email.
We asked the Highways Team to install a temporary zebra crossing across Connaught Street. We also raised the issue of cars and bikes ignoring the No Entry signs on Connaught Street and asked for something more effective to be put in place to avoid accidents to stop cars and bikes coming both ways.
Park West Place
We asked the Highways Team to fix the “No Entry” sign on the corner of Kendal Street and Park West Place which was turned around allowing cars to travel in both directions to ease congestion while the roadworks were undertaken recently. The sign had not been turned around to its proper position and was causing confusion for pedestrians.
Bayswater Road
We again asked the Highways Team to inspect a Thames Water cover on Bayswater Road following reports from residents that “noise caused by traffic passing over this manhole cover has increased considerably.”
We also asked TfL to reconsider an e-scooter bay which has been located on the pavement on Bayswater Road. Residents say, “The bay is on the flattest and most suitable paving for pedestrians and therefore forces walkers and buggies to go around trees and trip-hazard paving caused by tree roots. Surely the bike hanger area by the phone boxes is a more suitable place.”
Marble Arch
We asked TfL to repair the damaged traffic light located between Marble Arch and Cumberland Gate. TfL say, “it was fixed over the weekend, however it has now been identified as a problematic asset due to the amount of strikes so there may be more extensive work in the near future.”
We also asked TfL to increase the duration of the green man light at the busy crossing of Marble Arch and Edgware Road, as it currently lasts less than 7 seconds. This crossing is frequently used by both tourists and residents.
Oxford Street
We asked the Highways Team to investigate flooding in the area outside Primark on Oxford Street/Park Street which is a regular occurrence during heavy rainfall.
Hyde Park Estate security
For residents living on the Hyde Park Estate, the Croma mobile security supervisor contact number is 07880 680257. The mobile team provides 2 patrols each evening between the hours of 19.00pm – 07.00am. This is paid for via the service charges at blocks managed by the Church Commissioners, who also pay for the patrol at Portsea Mews and around Connaught Village.
The Star Street area, between Sussex Gardens and Praed Street
McDonalds, Praed Street
McDonalds has applied for planning permission to enable it to be open until 3am seven days a week. You can make comments online, using reference 24/07646/FULL.
McDonalds say, “The additional three hours sought during late-night trading hours are required to ensure that the restaurant is better able to meet the needs of its customer base and enhance the overall operational efficiency.”
Sussex Gardens
We asked the Private Tenants Advice Team to help a resident in a hotel who was threatened with eviction by the new landlord. The Team say, “I have spoken to the occupier of the room and to the bailiff on site, and the good news is that the superior landlord affecting forfeiture of the property realises that there are residential occupiers in the building and will respect their tenancies.”
We also asked the Highways Team to fix a leaning lamppost at the top of Sussex Gardens, just north of Norfolk Crescent.
We are supporting proposals for the conversion of the former hotel at 12-20 Sussex Gardens into flats, including 6 flats for rent at the London Living Wage.
Star Street
Residents told us that the lights in the ground floor windows at 38 Star Street are still blazing away at midnight. We have asked the Planning Enforcement Team to investigate and let us know if this a breach of the planning regulations for this Listed Building. The Team says,
“Following an inspection of the property and an assessment of the breach, warning letters were issued to all known parties with a legal interest in the land. The letters required the following within 6 weeks of the date of the letters,
- The removal of the unauthorised awning
- The removal of the digital signs behind the shopfront glazing and
- The removal of all banner advertisements at fascia level.”
We also asked the Police to investigate a basement flat in Star Street which is thought to be used as a brothel.
We also asked the Street Sweeping Team to ensure that Star Street is swept regularly.
The post box on the corner of Star Street has been relocated to Southwick Street and the pavement on Star Street is now clear to enable wheelchairs and buggies to pass by.
St Michael’s Street
We have contacted Notting Hill Genesis about concerns raised by residents who say,“Random men turning up at the door claiming to be from NHG, especially when they do not have an identity badge.”
Praed Street
We asked the Highways Team to investigate ways of stopping taxis parking illegally in the cycle lane in front of the Hilton Hotel in Praed Street and this is the result:
“A design for cycle lane wands to segregate cyclists from general traffic has completed a road safety audit and Highways are programming a date for their installation. These measures should deter taxis and other vehicles from stopping along the kerbside and obstructing the mandatory cycle lane. If the measures are successful, then it should also stop taxis queuing around the corner into Eastbourne Terrace.”
Praed Street resurfacing
Praed Street is to be resurfaced between Tanner Lane and South Wharf Road. The resurfacing works will be completed as follows:
- Phase 1 – Saturday 7th December – contractors will resurface from Tanner Lane to Norfolk Place/Norfolk Mews.
- Phase 2 – Sunday 8th December – resurface from Norfolk Place/Norfolk Mews through to the South Wharf Road junction.
A Traffic Marshal will be in place after the Praed Street/London Street junction on both days.
Southwick Street
We asked the Highways Team to liaise with Thames Water on long-standing issues in Southwick Street.
Parking issues
Following concerns raised by residents about illegal parking in the area, we asked for an investigation of parking ticket data. Since September, 71 parking tickets were issued in Star Street against vehicles found parked on yellow lines; 31 in St Michael’s Street and 3 in Junction Place. The Parking Marshals will continue to pay extra attention to this area.
205 bus route
We strongly oppose TfL’s proposals to axe bus route 205 between Paddington and Baker Street station as this will mean more difficult journeys for patients attending St Mary’s Hospital, as well as for those living and working in the Praed Street and Paddington Central area. For details how you can give your views see
Residents say, “I had no idea about the 205 bus proposals. I find them totally absurd, and the changeover to 27 bus – if people want to go beyond Warren Street/Tottenham Court Road to King’s Cross/Angel etc and vice versa – will be immensely irksome, and less than helpful for those with mobility issues.”
Edgware Road
Edgware Road Placemaking Strategy
Marble Arch BID, Church Commissioners and Portman Estate have published the Edgware Road Placemaking Strategy https://marble-arch.london/news/edgware-road-placemaking-strategy/ which has been developed over the last 18 months following extensive stakeholder engagement.
61 Edgware Road
On 27th November, Al Zikr, 61 Edgware Road was taken to court by the City Council for fly tipping and failure to comply with duty of care. Fines, costs and victim surcharges totalling £6,000 were issued by the court.
214 Edgware Road
We asked the Planning Enforcement Team to investigate the use of 214 Edgware Road for ‘prayer meetings’, following resident enquiries.
Cambridge Court
We asked the Council Tax Team to check whether Council Tax is being paid on the new top floor flats at Cambridge Court and we are told, “All six of the flats were not paying anything and were all under enforcement action. One flat, registered to a person, has now started paying. The other five are registered to a company and further action is being pursued.”
Edgware Road/Connaught Street
We asked the Street Lighting Team to fix a ‘flashing’ streetlight at the corner of Connaught Street and Edgware Road.
98 bus route
TfL tell us, “From Saturday 7 December buses on the 98 routs will operate:
- Every 7-8 minutes instead of every 8-9 minutes before 07:30 Monday to Friday
- Every 10 minutes to every 12 minutes after 20:30 Monday to Friday
- Every 10 minutes instead of every 12 minutes in the evening at the weekend (after 19:30 on Saturday and after 18:30 on Sunday).”
Chapel Street, Cabbell Street and Transept Street area
The Chapel pub
Following our enquiries about the squatters at The Chapel pub, Star Estates tell us, “We went to court and the court granted us full possession, now we are instructing the bailiff to attend. I will update you when there is some change.”
Chapel Street
We asked the Highways Team to remove paint spillage from the road and pavement in front of Hyde Park Mansions on Chapel Street.
Old Marylebone Road
We are pleased to see the redundant BT phone box has been removed from opposite the Halifax Building Society premises on the corner of Edgware Road and Old Marylebone Road. The phone box was used to store cardboard and bedding.
Paddington Basin/Sheldon Square area
West End Quay
We asked the Police to increase patrols around West End Quay after receiving this message, “We are seeing an increase after 4pm of drug dealing and taking around West End Quay. We have our security moving people on and we start them earlier, but we would like to request increased patrols. Residents are complaining of feeling unsafe.”
Fleming Centre, St Mary’s Hospital
On 27th November, we attended a presentation of the 5 shortlisted architectural proposals for the new Fleming Centre at St Mary’s Hospital which will provide expertise and skills in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. It is planned to open the centre in 2028 to mark the 100-year anniversary of the discovery of the first antibiotic, penicillin, by Sir Alexander Fleming at St Mary’s Hospital. You can see the 5 designs at https://www.imperial.nhs.uk/flemingdesign
Travis Perkins site, 149 Harrow Road, W2 6NA
Over 105 objections have been made to the planning application for the demolition of the existing Travis Perkins building and new buildings up to 20 storeys in height, comprising the reprovision of Travis Perkins builders’ merchant and 605 rooms of student accommodation above.
We have submitted our objections https://www.westminsterlabour.org.uk/issues/planning/2024/06/21/labour-supports-residents-objections-to-baltic-wharf-overdevelopment/
The application documents can be viewed online at www.westminster.gov.uk/planning where you can also make comments. Please use the reference number 24/03600/FULL as the primary search criteria.
Montgomery House
We are continuing to support residents of Montgomery House in their battle with Peabody and who have long endured inadequate living conditions, including severe mould infestations and persistent leaks.
Sheldon Square
We asked Paddington Central why the Christmas decorations were installed late at night, causing noise and disruption for residents.
5 Harbet Road
We asked Octavia Housing for an update on the cladding removal at 5 Harbet Road. Octavia say, “The works have not stalled, but there is a new completion date. This is due to complications once the works had begun (in particular, there were some complications when attempting removal of stone panels). It is now expected that the works will finish in May/June 2025.”
Dahlia House
We continue to work closely with the Short Term Lets Team to tackle the many illegal short-term lets in Dahlia House.
North Wharf Road
Work to install a raised table outside Marylebone Boys School on North Wharf Road to reduce vehicle speeds will start in early December with any road re-surfacing taking place in early 2025.
Bishop’s Bridge
Following concerns from residents, the E-bikes Team has made it clear to Lime and Forest they must improve their fleet management on Bishop’s Bridge and ensure their bikes do not block pedestrian access.
We also asked TfL to repair the defective streetlights on Bishop’s Bridge.
Eastbourne Terrace
Following our enquiries about drivers of the 46 bus using Westbourne Terrace instead of Eastbourne Terrace, TfL say, “Our buses team have spoken to the operator. They are going to put a comms out to the drivers reminding them of the route they should take.”
Paddington Basin
Following our enquiries regarding a waste barge on the canal opposite Sheldon Square presenting an environmental health hazard, we are told, “The waste barges operating in this area are for storeroom/demolition waste only, so no food or general waste. These craft are only moored here loaded when there has been a delay in getting to Powerday for unloading, otherwise they are only ever planned to moor here when empty.”
Paddington Square
Here is an article about the transformation of the Paddington Station area
https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/buildings/london-paddington-squared-and-cubed
Westway
Work to refurbish expansion joints along the Westway will start in November 2024 and is planned to finish in June 2025. For more information https://tfl.gov.uk/status-updates/major-works-and-events/a40-westway-works?cid=westway